Beer pairings draw more attention for spring

Costa Mesa's Pizzeria Ortica is teaming up with Placentia's The Bruery to create a new beer dinner series. It debuts May 2 with a multi-course meal beginning at 7:30 p.m. Pictured: The Bruery's Autumn Maple.CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

A lot of interesting events, news and tidbits have been gathering in my mailbox. It's time to share them.

Libations for Literacy is a celebrity bar battle to benefit the Literacy Project Foundation. Vanessa Moore of the Hyatt Regency Irvine and Brett Lawrence of Rancho La Lomas take on Danielle Drucker of OC Public Relations and Dan Korpman of Anfield Capital Management in a cocktail smackdown. The team that collects the most tips is the winner. All proceeds go to the foundation, which helps at-risk children develop their reading skills. Wednesday at 5 p.m. Brasserie Pascal, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. For information, call 949-640-2700.

Forrest Cokely, the folksy resident spirits expert at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, has parted ways with the company where he has worked longer than anyone can remember.

Cokely was the one who steered me toward quality bourbons, and I always appreciated his low-key style and encyclopedic knowledge. I also loved his loopy sense of humor.

No word from Cokely on the reason for the career change. He definitely wasn't leaving for another job. Cokely ended his friendly email to his pals with a request: "If you know of a job opening, let me know – I am in the market."

Slater's 50/50 in Lake Forest is hosting a Backyard Brewfest on April 6 from 3-7 p.m. They're pouring beer from 10 breweries paired with a sampling of Slater's 50/50's most popular menu items. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which originated in Orange County and now is a respected national not-for-profit focused on childhood cancer research. Tickets are $30 in advance $40 at the door and include food tastings, beer, music and other festivities.

April 13 from 3-7 p.m. at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. Tickets are $55 in advance, $75 at the door and include nine 6-ounce pours, a commemorative stemmed Belgian-style tulip glass, Cigar Aficionado's 2008 and 2012 cigars of the year, three small plates of gourmet food, two free raffle tickets and free parking. Tickets are available online at ocbrewhaha.com

Will this beer-pairing trend never end? Costa Mesa's Pizzeria Ortica is teaming with Placentia's The Bruery to create a new beer dinner series. It debuts May 2 with a multi-course meal beginning at 7:30 p.m. Executive Chef Justin Miller will serve a five-course menu, each paired with a beer by The Bruery's Jonas Nemura, who will talk you through his lineup. Here's the grub:

Costa Mesa's Pizzeria Ortica is teaming up with Placentia's The Bruery to create a new beer dinner series. It debuts May 2 with a multi-course meal beginning at 7:30 p.m. Pictured: The Bruery's Autumn Maple. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
At Pizzeria Ortica's beer-pairing dinner, Executive Chef Justin Miller will serve a special five-course menu, each paired with a beer by The Bruery's Jonas Nemura, who will talk you through his line-up. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Bruery in Placentia is nationally known for its craft beer. Pictured: Humulus Wet, from left, Autumn Maple, Old Richland and Smoking Wood. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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